Synopses & Reviews
"This historic book . . . presents Riehl's absorbing account of his key role in the production of pure uranium for . . . the Soviet nuclear bomb program [and], written by uniquely qualified Frederick Seitz, an extraordinary and perceptive introduction."--Glenn Seaborg, Nobel laureate in Chemistry "A fascinating story admirably told. . . . I was intrigued by Riehl's ability to survive those difficult times, by his accounts of Russian science, and by his insight into the Russian people of all levels."--Bruce Merrifield, Nobel laureate in Chemistry "The book has solid value as source material, for Riehl was an eyewitness to important affairs and social circumstances that are otherwise poorly documented."--Spencer Weart, AIP Center for the History of Physics
Synopsis
After World War II, German scientist Nikolaus Riehl and his family were held captive in the Soviet Union from 1945 to 1955. His story is uniquely interesting in part because of its historical content, in part because he was bilingual in German and Russian, having grown up in St. Petersburg as the son of a German father and a Russian mother, and as a result of his warm human interest in the Russian people. He tells his story in Ten Years in a Golden Cage. Frederick Seitz has written a detailed introduction that provides a historical context for his translation (from German) of Riehl's book.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 209) and index.